Moose Seeks Shade From Sun

An overheated moose wandered into the city of Pocatella, Idaho, and found some much-needed shade this weekend. But when officials tried to get him to move, he refused to give up his coveted shady spot.

I don’t blame him. When the temperature is over 100 degrees, I find myself watching the ground looking for shadows of shady spots to give myself a moment’s reprieve from the heat. And to be effective, the shade has to cover my entire body. An arm left out in the sun while the rest of my body is in the shade, only makes me more aware of how truly hot my arm is.

Imagine the joy when a moose finds enough shade to cover his entire body. Moving is not an option. So officials had to sedate him, hose him down to cool him off, and move him outside the city. I hope they were kind enough to leave him under another large shady spot.

Shade is hard to find in South Texas. Our trees aren’t much taller than we are. And when the temperature gauge in the car registers 104 degrees for most of the afternoon, there is not much incentive to be outside.

Some pets don’t have a choice. Outdoor dogs have it the worst. They are left outside, sometimes under a shady tree, but shade moves with the sun and so those same dogs may be without cover in the later part of the day. I can’t imagine being covered in fur and then left outside during the hottest days of the year.

Am I saying you should bring your pet inside? Yes, I am. Even if you have an outdoor dog, you should bring him in during the hottest part of the day to prevent heatstroke. Pets can and have died from heat stroke. Eddie Wright from Animal Care Services said 28 dogs died last year from the heat in San Antonio — and those are the dogs they know about. I am sure pet owners have found their dogs dead in the backyard after a hot day and don’t report it. Or maybe they think their dogs were bitten by a snake or something. No, if it’s hot, chances are the dog died from the heat.

Pets need cover from the sun (and not just a well placed tree), water to drink (from a tip-proof bowl), water to cool off in (a small baby pool in shade); and someone checking on them regularly to make sure they aren’t overheating. If you suspect your pet is overheated, be sure to cool him off with water from a hose (let the hot water sitting in the hose run out before you actually hose down the dog).

In the meantime, remember there are wild animals out there looking for a little water to drink or a little shade to get away from the sun. Fill up a bird bath (and keep it under a tree) and watch the birds practically fight for an edge so they can dip their toes and head in the water. No one likes the extreme heat.

mysa admin

About the Author

Cathy M. Rosenthal has more than 25 years of experience in public relations, communications and humane education in the animal welfare field. She has worked for local humane societies and national humane groups, appearing on hundreds of television and radio news and public affairs programs to address animal issues. She currently is a consultant for local and national animal welfare organizations, writing grants, annual reports and other marketing materials. She is also the author of several children's books about animals.